Sensor

Abstract

The sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a base, a plurality of pins fixed to the base, a sensor element, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensor element to the plurality of the pins. The sensor element is supported by the plurality of the pins via the plurality of the leads. Each of the plurality of the leads is provided along a straight line extending between a connected pin, out of the plurality of the pins, and the sensor element, and is bent plural times between the connected pin and the sensor element.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a sensor having a sensor element, and, for example, to a sensor having a gas sensor element for detecting a specific gas. [0003] 2. Related Background of the Invention [0004] Generally, in various sensors such as an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a temperature sensor, and an acoustic sensor, a sensor element is arranged so as to be independent of a housing. The reason is that the sensor element is adapted not to receive an influence (optical reflection, magnetic field, heat, vibration, etc.) from a housing of the sensor element. [0005] As the sensor of this type, there exists a gas sensor for detecting concentration of a specific gas in an atmospheric gas. As for the gas sensor, a gas sensor is conventionally known in general that includes a gas sensor element for detecting a specific gas and has a structure in which this gas sensor element is connected to each of a plurality of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a sensor that prevents disconnection of the leads during manufacturing and use, and can achieve high precision. The sensor includes a base, pins, a sensor element, and a plurality of leads. Each lead lies along a straight line extending between the connected pin and the sensor element, and is bent multiple times between the pin and the sensor element. The bending of the leads absorbs the load or vibration, preventing disconnection. The sensor also reduces electromagnetic noise and improves thermal control and detection precision. The end portion of each lead has a stopper structure, improving the connecting strength and reducing electric resistance.

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, in a manufacturing procedure, when a load (weight) for grasping the lead acts upon a base end of the lead at the time of connecting the tip of each lead to each stem pin after connecting the base end of each lead to the sensor element, the base end of the lead is broken and the disconnection of the base end occurs in some cases.

Furthermore, for example, in the gas sensor, when a heater attached to the gas sensor element generates heat in a state where the gas sensor is in use, each lead becomes loose due to thermal expansion.

In addition to the foregoing structural problem, there exists a problem that an external electromagnetic wave intrudes into the sensor element through each lead, thereby causing a thermal control and a detection precision of the sensor to deteriorate.

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